Determination is key to successp: Sunita Williams

Nasa astronaut Captain Sunita Williams on Thursday said that it is possible to achieve anything if a person is qualified and determined with the will to make the right decisions. Williams was speaking at an interactive session organised by the women wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“A person should aspire to try out new things and explore new opportunities. Confidence, perseverance, persistence and knowledge play a key role in achieving the most challenging feats,” said Capt. Williams.

“I considered myself the girl next door, but I always grabbed the opportunities and explored them,” Capt. Williams added.

Having witnessed the spectacular view of 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets in a day while on her mission to space, Williams said that nothing is impossible.

She said that opportunities are a plenty and the need was to grab and explore them. “It was important to be a good student as it opens doors of opportunities,” she added.

Sharing her views on education, Williams said that young girls should be encouraged to pursue STEM as it provides hosts of opportunities across the board. “Studying STEM today offers a plethora of areas to learn, explore and understand,” said Capt. Williams, adding, “When I had joined the US Naval Academy, there were only 10 per cent women in the school but over the years the number has increased significantly and now women occupy 20% seats at the academy.”

She said that the Nasa was also looking out for young engineers and was keen on having young and feisty females in its midst.

Speaking about her experiences in a male dominated field, Capt. Williams said: “I often found myself in a minority but it never deterred or interfered with my goals. I knew my tasks well and was competent to take on any challenges.”